I was the first one in my family to seek higher education. In the college search, state campuses were too large for my liking, so I had been set on Northland or Ripon College. It wasn’t the beautiful scenery along the lake, or the quaint town of Ashland that drew me in. It was more personal. What secured my decision was my overnight stay; the casual after-dinner ultimate frisbee game on the mall and the friendliness of students on campus.

Northland did more than provide a venue for a teaching license. It taught me to be passionate about my beliefs. It taught me that I can have beliefs and respect and see others with opposing views as deep and true friends. Two professors who had the most impact on me and my teaching practices were professors outside of the education department.

Prior to being at Northland, I hadn’t heard of a vegan diet. Through life’s twists and turns, I feel Northland prepared me to be the teacher I was meant to be where I am now.  A tiny public Montessori school in northern California. Without my Northland background, the ban we have on refined-sugar products on campus and the lengths we go through to remain environmentally sustainable would have deterred me from an otherwise perfect fit.

My experience at Northland shaped how I am in the world, and how my boys see the world. My fifteen-year-old had an opportunity to walk the campus not long ago while attending a Copper Falls camping trip. Just recently, he told a mentor “I want to go to school where my mom did, but now it’s closing.”

I hope that is not the truth, but if it is, the stories of college friends playing Mario Party in the dorms, stories of the wigwam being built, campfires, and some fall camping on the beach live on. I am the compassionate and holistic teacher, parent, and person I am because of Northland.